Louisville Water started as Kentucky's first public water provider in 1860. Twenty-one years ago, the water company trademarked its tap as Louisville Pure Tap to highlight its award-winning water.

Twice, it was named the best-tasting tap water in America from the American Water Works Association.

“Since we like our beverages here in Louisville, (21 years old) seemed pretty appropriate to us,” said Kelley Dearing Smith, Vice President of Communication at Louisville Water. “When GE came [to Louisville], we actually expanded our operations to serve GE. When the Ford plant came here, we expanded our operations. What we are doing now for economic development, we have this reserve capacity … We have enough water where we could easily handle 35 additional manufacturing plants here.”

Louisville is best-known for its bourbon and is becoming popular for its craft beer, but both beverages start with water. Local distillers and brewers attended the anniversary celebration Tuesday to promote good tasting Louisville water.

“We all know as brewers and distillers that great tasting water makes great tasting beer,” Apocalypse Brew Works co-owner Leah Dienes said. “You may not know, but beer is made out of four ingredients: malt, hops, yeast and 95-percent water.”

According to Louisville Water, the company produces 120 million gallons of drinking water every day.

To start a 21-week celebration, Louisville Water will host a special community event at the Crescent Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse on Wednesday, May 9. Guests can stop by the reservoir from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5-7 p.m. for a tour of the Gatehouse and a look at artifacts from Louisville Water’s archives. May 9 also will be the start of Louisville Water’s annual “Walking Wednesday” program at the reservoir.

For additional information on the program and the 21-week celebration, click here.